COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITY OF FORAGE GRASSES (MAIZE AND ELEPHANT GRASS) AND FORAGE LEGUMES (LABLAB AND MUCUNA)

Abstract

This study evaluated the nutritional value of maize (Zea mays), elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), mucuna (Mucuna pruriens) , and lablab (Lablab purpureum) forages, aiming to address feed quality and availability constraints in tropical ruminant animal production. Forages were sampled in three replicates at 12 weeks post planting, and proximate and fiber composition were analyzed. The data obtained was subjected to ANOVA using the GLM procedure of SAS (2005). Results showed that elephant grass had higher crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash, NFE, NDF, and ADF compared to maize, while maize had higher dry matter (DM) and crude fiber (CF). Mucuna had higher CP, EE, and ash, while lablab had higher CF, NDF, and ADF. Elephant grass and mucuna were found to be nutritionally superior. A feeding trial is recommended to assess feed intake and animal performance.